Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Pork Chops with Fennel and Caper Sauce

After a crazy weekend with lots of driving (Nashville for Melissa Howell's bachelorette party, then on to Birmingham for Caroline's baby shower), it would be an understatement to say I was "tired" this past Sunday night when I arrived at my parents house. The last thing on my mind was cooking or even thinking about what to eat for dinner. Lucky for me - my mother took very good care of me. She and my dad saw the following recipe being created by Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network Channel. After the inspiration - my mom logged into http://www.foodnetwork.com and downloaded the recipe.

It was phenomenal! I could have eaten the sauce alone. Fresh, healthy and delish. You could substitute chicken or even fish with this sauce - make it your own, but make it often. Highly recommend! I served alongside thin french beans and homemade pinto beans. Enjoy!

In a large, heavy skillet heat the olive oil over high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the pan and brown on both sides, about 4 minutes each side. Remove the pork from the pan, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.

Add the fennel, shallots, and 1/3 cup parsley to the pan and cook over medium heat until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the wine. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the tomatoes and stir. Add the pork back into the pan, nestling the chops between the fennel and tomatoes so they are mostly submerged in the pan juices. Cook until the fennel is tender and the pork is done, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Place the pork on a serving dish. To finish the sauce, add the lemon zest, remaining 1/3 cup parsley,capers, and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Spoon over the pork chops and serve immediately.

About Me

I graduated from the University of Alabama not too long ago, and moved to Atlanta to begin my career in Advertising & Marketing. Over the past few years, I have come to realize that I find content and pleasure not only from my amazing friends and family, but also from writing, cooking and spending time with my awesome pup! I try to realize everyday that life is a gift and it only comes once. I have an insatiable appetite to learn and experience new things. My goal is to never take life for granted.